Months of social distancing have left a lot of us with time to kill, and we’ve all been filling the vacancy in a variety of ways. While many people have put this time to good use in terms of being productive & disciplined, there are those of us that have invested this precious time in copious amounts of wine, UberEats, & TikTok videos (all three happening simultaneously, of course…)
But occasionally there have been some fun trends that have sprung from this bizarre period of quarantine, and stock photos are apparently the latest to make a repeat performance.
“Bad Stock Photos Of My Job” is social media’s latest amusing obsession, and the trend proves that stock photos are not quite in touch with real life after all.
While stock photos are usually reliable in terms of portraying just the right image, some are unintentionally hilarious in their misguided representations of real life.
While “#stockphotosofmyjob” became a popular trend back in May 2018, it’s back… because we’ve got time.
Nothing but time. And when people have got time on their hands, what better way to have some fun than to check out a stock photo version of your own job, right?
A quick search on stock sites like Shutterstock.com or iStock.com provides a glimpse into what the photo experts think most jobs look like… and it’s a far cry from their reality, that’s for sure!
As an MRI tech I always guide my patients into a highly energized state on the astral plane until their glowing skeletons can provide useful positioning landmarks.
Then I encourage them to stick their arms out to ensure they won't fit in the bore#BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/ukOyTlOm7O
— Mike Craft (@craftmike) May 5, 2018
That looks WAY cooler than any MRI I’ve ever had… just saying…
I often like to express my severity with a black cardigan and severe bun to intimidate the popular girls who bullied me in high school. You're in my yard now, Jessica. A yard of intelligence. Of silence. Of finger pointing.
*whispers: my yard* #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob #library pic.twitter.com/2XNueChHX4— Tara Lewis (@tara818) May 4, 2018
I feel like this is an accurate representation of the librarians in my town, but @tara818’s description of finally owning her high school bullies is GOLD.
As a psychiatric nurse I often strap a VR screen on my patients while I talk to their wheelchair. pic.twitter.com/nIGvKnDsID
— Andrew Lane (@Andrew_AL98) May 5, 2018
Seriously… what IS going on here?? In what world would a patient need to wear this?? At least he looks like he’s having fun, though maybe that IV’s sweet stuff may have something to do with that.
I often hit people in the middle of their face with a reflex hammer. #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/aAx2u8izPQ
— Mike Sidel (@MikeSidel) May 12, 2018
“Now, count to three…. 1, 2….” *WHACK*.
As a chef, I can confirm to get maximum flavour from celery for your base stock, you must feed them cherry tomatoes and treat them like your first born! #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/EZ6Zm7Bejc
— ? Dave (@chef09876) June 21, 2020
Apparently this chef loves his job- and his ingredients. And I do mean LOVE.
As an environmental researcher, I often use the microscope with black sunglasses while my colleague stares into the void. #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/ZKAkTdj0QX
— Shardul Prabhu (@prabhu_shardul) June 22, 2020
His future’s so bright he’s gotta wear shades… all.the.time, apparently.
All pharmacists know the best way to dispense medicine is just to throw all your pills into the air and just see what happens #badstockphotosofmyjob pic.twitter.com/1qhtb4DZcB
— Melinda (@melindajames_) June 24, 2020
I’ve never seen such a confetti parade of prescription drugs while standing on line in my local Walgreen’s, but clearly these lab pharmacists know how to party!
As a college professor I find it to be a best teaching practice to quietly read a book with my back to the class during lecture. #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/hC2bMOA3Hy
— Maire Ford (@FordMaire) June 24, 2020
Reading a foreign language book WHILE teaching some advanced algebra? Professors these days are wicked smart… in stock photo reality, anyway.
I saw the #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob trend and couldn’t resist…it did not disappoint. Therapy is 90% of thumbs uping and looking away from your clients so they feel frustrated. pic.twitter.com/wtEFJz4bu3
— Vanessa (@likealime4) June 22, 2020
While the thumbs-up might be a positive in terms of your therapy progress, the fact that it’s apparently being filmed by a reality show crew probably isn’t a good thing.
I always give a thumbs up after a pelvic exam, it’s so not creepy at all #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/wzOW0ULr1f
— Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) May 6, 2018
Speaking of thumbs-up, there are some places you just don’t want to see this gesture… and one of those places would be near your vagina in a medical office. Definitely.
I'm a social worker, and…this is accurate actually#BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/xnBqBSJeGC
— Lil Bit ? (@LizerReal) June 24, 2020
Hah! No commentary needed- just LOL.
#BadStockPhotosOfMyJob
When you are a dentist remember to always hug your patients (it is not creepy at all) and be in the most uncomfortable position possible for clinical examination. Also skip the mask. You will need those extra money to pay off your loan. pic.twitter.com/WlCdh6ymHK— Alexandra (@SashaMSKNY) June 24, 2020
The prior pelvic exam shot looks less creepy in comparison, no??
Imma just grab a hunk of this brain with some vice grips. #badstockphotosofmyjob pic.twitter.com/yh2elVPXoR
— The_Watchler (@TWatchler) June 26, 2020
Whatever career this is supposed to be, it’s TERRIFYING. And yet also oddly appetizing…
Oh your relative is critically ill in hospital and needs a pastoral visit, Call Me! #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob pic.twitter.com/vJl0AibXvz
— Rev'd Nik Stevenson (@nikthevic) June 23, 2020
Need a Master Pastor? Call me! Or find me on Snapchat- whatevs.
As a high school science teacher, visual aids are very important. #badstockphotosofmyjob pic.twitter.com/49AHjZza0r
— ??????????Ohio mom of two (@OhioMomoftwo) June 24, 2020
Listed under “science teacher”. So.Many.Questions.
#BadStockPhotosOfMyJob Also pictured under "therapist": pic.twitter.com/ZubyB9J8ak
— Ms. Respex ??? (@Respexy) June 22, 2020
I’m thinking therapists don’t get paid enough….
These would be #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob if they weren’t so accurate. ????? pic.twitter.com/y3MKCy51i2
— Shantea Gauthier (@ShanteaGauthier) June 22, 2020
Guess what job this is? (No, I don’t know, either.)
And of course, here’s one that represents my own job as a writer. The trick to achieving that miraculous light-bulb of inspiration? A hat, bow-tie & suspenders. Who knew?
If you want some quick amusement, check out the #BadStockPhotosOfMyJob hashtag. Now I need to find my writer hat and go back to gazing at the magic lightbulb. pic.twitter.com/OE7naxJY6X
— Cat Rambo (@Catrambo) May 4, 2018
Be sure to hop onto Twitter & look for your own occupation under the hastag #stockphotosofmyjob; you just might find that you’ve been doing it wrong!